Mid-Island Times (11/22/19)

SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVIT TOWN

3rd PLACE WINNERS Apprentice challenge helps students in business world

The Hicksville High School Marching Band won third place in the New York State Field Band Conference Championships in Syracuse. See page 9

Musical performances planned

Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community and Youth Services will be offering free musical performances during the month of December 2019 at local libraries throughout the Town to kick-off the 20192020 Distinguished Artists Concert Series, which will continue to run monthly through May 2020.

“The Town’s Distinguished Artists Concert

Series has proven to be one of our most popular and enduring programs, as residents flock from all across the Town to see the free musical and dance performances scheduled each month for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “I invite residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.”

Upcoming performances for December 2019 include:

Breakdown – A Tribute to the Music of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 2 p.m. in the Bethpage Public Library.

Copperline – A Tribute to the Music of James Taylor on Saturday, Decem-

See page 6

BY GARY SIMEONE

Approximately 250 students from area high schools participated in the annual ‘Apprentice Challenge’ on Friday November 15 at Adelphi University. The competition, which is in its thirteenth year, teaches local high school students how to turn their ideas into a successful business model. This year, the school partnered with Geico Careers in Woodbury.

Students formed into teams and collaborated with each other on ideas on creating an overall strategy and marketing plan on how to best utilize the do-not-disturb feature on their cell phone while driving. They had to focus on the marketing strategies of product price placement and promotion in order to win over a panel of judges.

Michael Wentz, a director of digital marketing at Adelphi and adjunct professor in the Marketing Department, said it was his fifth year of being a judge in the competition.

“This is a wonderful event because it gives a high school students hands-on experience working with real world companies solving real world challenges,” said Wentz. “Every year is a different sponsor with different challenges. Seeing the ideas generated from students who are placed in groups comprising of multiple schools impresses me year after year. This event gives me the opportunity to see these future business leaders in action.”

Some of the high schools involved in the competition included Plainview-JFK Jericho High School, Her-

ricks High School, New Hyde Park Memorial, Plainedge Syosset High School, Wantagh High School and Mineola High School.

Another judge, Karen Parish Autry, an associate director of employer relations, said that this has been a signature event at Adelphi for a number of years.

“The Apprentice Challenge gives high school students an opportunity to learn professionalism and key marketing techniques from alumni that have succeeded in the business world,” said Autry.  “This event helps students learn how to work together in teams and collaborate and understand what it takes to come up with a winning marketing plan. It also gives students a chance to see what will be expected of them on a college level when they are assigned group projects.”

The competition ran all day from early morning to the afternoon, and at the end, the judges awarded team #7, which included two Plainview-JFK students, with the final award.

The two students, senior Zoe Rodriguez and junior Jessica Sarubbi, helped to come up with a marketing campaign for people to utilize their cell phone’s do-not-disturb feature while driving.

“The whole event was a great experience and I can take what I learned from it and apply it into my high school business classes,” said Rodriguez. “One of the best parts was getting to formulate a strategy and meeting and collaborating with kids from other schools.”

See page 6

New Year’s Eve at the Knights of Columbus

The Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Party on Tuesday, December 31st at 8 p.m. at its headquarters at 45 Heitz Place, Hicksville.

Doors open 7:30 p.m.

$35 per person - $70 per couple. Checks may be made payable to: Joseph Barry Knights of Columbus by December 15. There will be a DJ, open bar, chicken

cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, vegetables, dessert and coffee. Bring your own snacks and noisemakers. Casual attire. Raffles. Reservations are required. Absolutely no money will be accepted at the door. The event is limited to 170 people. Tables hold 10 people. Call Brian 516-457-6190

Are you a professional?

Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

Model Train Show

Trainville Hobby Depot will host a Model Train Show on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 West Carl Street in Hicksville.  The Model Train Show includes operating model layouts coordinated by Trainville Hobby Depot.  Donations are being accepted at the exhibit to support The Safe Center LI.

The Safe Center LI is a resource center for the victims of domestic or dating abuse, child abuse, and rape and sexual assault.

Admission in to the exhibit is $5.00, children ages 4-11 years are $3.00 and entry for children under that age of 4 is free.  For further information, please visit www.trainville.com or call (516) 433-4444.

Holiday tree lighting

On Monday, December 2, the Levittown Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday Tree Lighting from 6 to 8 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, Shelter Lane and Hempstead Turnpike (near the Levittown Library).

Admission is free, but participants are asked to bring donations of food and toiletries for local pantries.

To introduce the holiday season, local bands and dance studios will perform. It is hoped that Santa may even put in an appearance at the event.

In the event of inclement weather, the entertainment will move into the main room of the Levittown Public Library.

Gift wrapping for charity

The Glen Cove-Hicksville-Syosset Chapter of the Mercy League will be holding its annual Christmas holiday gift wrapping program.

From Thursday, December 12 to Tuesday, December 24 bring your gifts to Broadway Commons Mall to have them expertly wrapped by Mercy League volunteers. Proceeds of the wrapping service will support enrichment activities and equipment at Mercy Medical Center.

The service will be available from  10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Christmas Eve til 4 p.m.). Prices will range from $2 to $5 depending on size of package and options chosen. Oversized packages will be priced accordingly. A large selection of gift wrap, decorative bags, ribbons and bows will be available.

For more information, please contact Pat at 681-6690 or Anna at 3900200.

Advertise in our papers!

If you own a business or have a service to provide, we’ll create professional advertisements to promote it and help you be seen by thousands of local readers! Call 1-516-294-8900 to inquire!

Northside kindergartner earns top spot in poster contest

Town ice skating rinks to open November 29

The Town of Oyster Bay’s outdoor ice skating rinks at Marjorie R. Post and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks will officially open for the season the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 29.

“Ice skating is a fun activity for residents of all ages to enjoy, and the Town’s outdoor ice rinks provide the perfect setting to relax, unwind, and take in the wonderful winter atmosphere,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Our outdoor ice rink facilities are the perfect antidote to combating cabin fever during the winter months, and are a wonderful way to help make coping with the cold fun and enjoyable! I encourage residents of all ages to take advantage of these facilities.”

Public sessions at both outdoor rinks

on opening day will run as follows: 10 a.m.–12 p.m., 1 p.m.–3 p.m., 4 p.m.–6 p.m. and 7 p.m.–9 p.m. In addition to public sessions, private and semi-private lessons, group lessons and private rentals are also available at the rinks. Also, for those who wish to take advantage of ice skating but do not wish to be outdoors, the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is open year-round and is located at 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage.

For information on schedules, fees and rink programs, visit www.oysterbaytown.com or call the (516) 797-7990 for the Marjorie Post Park Outdoor Rink or 516677-5990 for the Syosset-Woodbury Park Outdoor Rink.

Sami Sayed, a kindergarten student from Northside Elementary School in the Levittown Public Schools was recently recognized by the Levittown Fire Department for his fire prevention poster in the department’s annual poster contest. Sayed’s poster was selected as the Overall Fire Prevention Poster of all the kindergarten classes within the Levittown Fire District. He received a certificate, a medal, a Target gift card and a smoke detector for his winning entry.

Northside kindergartner Sami Sayed (middle) was awarded by the Levittown Fire Department for his fire prevention poster. Pictured with Northside Principal Frank Mortillaro (left) and Assistant Principal Dyanne Case. Photo courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Hicksville HS’s Robotics Team wins invitational competition

BY CATHY TEMPS, TEACHER AND TEAM ADVISOR

Congratulations to Hicksville High School’s Robotics Team, the J-Birds, for winning First Place at the Half Hollow Hills Invitational Robotics Competition in Dix Hills held on November 2, 2019!

J-Bird driver Kevin Diaz and operator Aditya Khatri controlled the team’s robot during the matches, while Sam Zhen provided the robot with game pieces during the match. The object of the game at the competition was to place the game pieces onto one of the tall rockets on the side of the field or the cargo ship in the middle. The two game pieces were “Hatches,” flat panels with Velcro borders, and “Cargo,” which were large, inflated, orange balls. Cargo was supposed to be put in the rocket or cargo ship bays, and hatches were used to block the open holes through which the ball could fall through. Points were received for all of these actions, along with lifting the robot to different platform levels at the

end of the match.

The robot itself was the same student-built machine used during last year’s season, with which the team won the Long Island Regional Championship and qualified for the World Championship. Improvements were made in the weeks leading up to this month’s invitational by the J-Birds. Technician Sean Zhen and other team members helped with quick repairs of robots in between the matches.

Leading the scouting from the stands was Jesse Kohli and his group of scouters, who helped provide the robot driver and operator with information about opposing teams, an integral part of success in the competition.

Overall, the team’s effort during their preparation and during the competition itself was an illustration of the effort and dedication required to be successful in this activity, along with introducing many new team members to the basics of the activity. The J-Birds now seek to continue their streak of success with another amazing season this year. Go J-Birds!

  

Hicksville High School’s “J-Birds” captured first place at the Half Hollow Hills Invitational Robotics Competition.

Memory Care Like No Other

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia takes both heart and science – knowing what expert approaches to take, and providing such care with compassion. This is what we do every day at The Bristal at Lake Success. Our community is dedicated 100% to state-of-the-art memory care, built upon a solid foundation of success caring for seniors at our family of assisted living communities across the tri-state area. We’ve also developed an alliance with Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institute, initiating opportunities for advancements in dementia care. Altogether, this means peace of mind for you, proven memory care for your loved one, and the freedom to share and embrace every moment. Come visit a truly extraordinary community where memory care is everything: The Bristal at Lake Success.

Only

Author has Lee Ave kids laughing, loving poetry

Lee Avenue School in Hicksville recently welcomed children’s author David Greenberg, who delivered an assembly filled with tongue twisters and lighthearted jokes that covered a myriad of topics familiar to kids.

Greenberg, a native of Brooklyn and later Great Neck, gave an engaging presentation in the school gymnasium, joking about teachers, parents and even

pets. He had students laughing and reciting some funny poetry, while also providing them with several fun ideas to write about on their own.

Some of Greenberg’s more popular books include “Inspire the Desire for Writing” (volumes I and II), “Super Silly School Poems” and “The Great School Lunch Rebellion.”

Apprentice challenge

From page 1

ber 7, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Syosset Public Library (tickets required for performances at Syosset Public Library as space is limited, tickets available at the library beginning on November 19, 2019, for more information call 516-921-7161.)

Sugar & Spice Soul Band – A Soulful Tribute to Motown and R&B on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. in the Farmingdale Public Library.

Four Hand Band – One Hundred Years of Women’s Voices on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library.

The Distinguished Artists Concert Series is sponsored by the Cultural and Performing Arts (CAPA) Division of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Department of Community & Youth Services. For further information, please call (516) 7977900 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

Musical performances

From page 1

Sarubbi said putting together an advertising campaign to encourage young adults to use the do-not-disturb feature was a great way for her to spend the day.

“The Apprentice Challenge was a great opportunity to work with other students with similar interests and put our heads together to think creatively

and accomplish tasks in a short period of time,” said Sarubbi.

She added that getting to meet the judges, who were a collection of Adelphi professors, Geico employees and executives from UPS and AAA, was another beneficial experience.

“Just to get their feedback on all of the presentations and listen to their words of wisdom was definitely worth the while,” said Sarubbi.

Cathy Buckley

Paola Giordano

Author David Greenberg entertains Lee Avenue students with lighthearted jokes, while inspiring them to write on their own. Photo courtesy of the Hicksville School District

Robin Weiss Cell: 516-491-8891 Robinweisshomes@

Patricia Donohue-Brown Cell: 516-993-1368 Pattydb0313@gmail.com

Nelson Chua Cell: 516-503-7698 NelsonChuaRealtor@ yahoo.com

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Hicksville Middle School marks World Kindness Day

Hicksville Middle School students in front of the school’s “Choose Kindness” mural.

World Kindness Day is celebrated each year on November 13. On this day, participants attempt to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness. “To celebrate World Kindness Day, Hicksville Middle School students affixed messages of hope and kindness to our ‘Choose Kindness’ mural to demonstrate their commit-

ment to kindness every day,” commented Principal Mara Jorisch. Each student used a tracing of his/her hand to add to the school’s mural as a pledge. World Kindness Day was first launched in 1998 by The World Kindness Movement, an organization dedicated to creating a kinder world by inspiring individuals and nations towards greater kindness.

Town Summer Recreation full day program

The Town of Oyster Bay will be offering a new full day offering for the Town of Oyster Bay Summer Recreation Program for the 2020 summer season.  What does this mean exactly?  The Summer Recreation program will be offering an extended stay through the lunch hour at two of its locations:  Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park in Woodbury.  The full day hours will operate from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.  Previously, parents were required to pick up children at lunchtime.

“The Town Board and I are happy to offer this additional convenience to families,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino.  “Details for the expanded program are still being worked out, but it’s

Juniors get a glimpse of college

Division Avenue High School juniors visited college classrooms during their college trip to Siena College and the University at Albany.

Forty-eight juniors from Division Avenue High School visited Siena College to learn more about the school and college life.

important to relay this information now as families begin to make their summer arrangements.  Please stay tuned for more information coming your way this winter.”

The Town’s Summer Recreation program is separated into the following age categories: early childhood (ages 4, 5 and 6); juniors (7–8); intermediate (9–10); and seniors (11–12) and offers a full day of enriching and healthy activities for the Town’s young people.

For more information about the Town of Oyster Bay Summer Recreation Program, please contact Jackie Devlin at (516) 7974125, extension 1 or e-mail jdevlin@oysterbay-ny.gov. Information is also available at www.oysterbaytown.com/parks.

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Juniors from Division Avenue High School in the Levittown Public Schools experienced a taste of college life on Nov. 6 as the Division Avenue High School Guidance Department hosted the school’s first annual college trip. The trip was facilitated by guidance chairperson Mark Curtiss and guidance counselor Lynn Castellano.

Forty-eight juniors traveled to Siena College and the University at Albany. Upon arrival, they were greeted by college per-

sonnel and students at information sessions where they had the opportunity to ask questions about admission requirements, undergraduate programs and campus life. Students also participated in a tour of both institutions, sat in classrooms and visited dorms. It was a wonderful experience for the students as they gained insight on the college experience.

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Hicksville Historical Society to meet

The Hicksville Historical Society will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, November 26 at the Hicksville Library.

The guest speaker will be Paul Van Der Wye who will speak on "Germans on Long Island".

The society will also discuss plans for

its upcoming Winter Social. The meeting will be held at 7:15 p.m. in the Community Room of the Library, 169 Jerusalem Avenue, Hicksville. For more information, please contact hickshistsoc@aol.com

Hicksville Comet Marching Band takes 3rd in NYS Championships again

High School

Once again, the Hicksville High School Comet Marching Band attended the New York State Field Band Conference championships, and once again, the group came home with an award for its outstanding performance! Competing in the Large School Class 3 Division of the conference, held at the Syracuse Carrier Dome on Oct. 27, the band earned third-place honors for the second consecutive year!

According to first-year director Kerri Barnett, the group of 112 students has been working together since June to bring its production, “The Snow Queen,” to life. It competed with bands around the state and was honored to receive the thirdplace award with a score of 82.6.

Hicksville Public Schools Supervisor for Fine Arts Philip Grusenmeyer said this year’s band showed continued improvement and finished with a higher score rating at the championship than last year. Participation also increased from last year.

Earlier this year, in September, the band won first place in the Large School 3 Division of the New York State Field Band Conference competition at Brentwood High School. Throughout the competitive season, the band has consistently finished a close second behind Sachem High School, which won first place in Large School Class 3 Division at this year’s state championship.

Photos courtesy of the Hicksville Public Schools

Santa’s mailboxes arrive in town offices

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that children can send their ‘holiday wish list’ directly to Old St. Nick at the North Pole through a special network of Santa’s Mailboxes which arrived in Town facilities from the North Pole.  Mailboxes will accept letters now through Monday, December 16.

The Town of Oyster Bay will forward letters to Santa at the North Pole.  Letters received by Monday, December 16 with a legible name and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday.  No postage is necessary. Colorful red mailboxes will be acces-

sible daily during regular business hours at the following locations:

• Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

• Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

• Hicksville Athletic Center, 167 S. Broadway, Hicksville

• Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage

For more information about Santa’s Mailboxes, please call (516) 624-6380 weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. or visit the www.oysterbaytown.com.

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The Hicksville High School Marching Band, led by Kerri Barnett (far left), marches during this year’s homecoming procession.

The Hicksville

Marching Band proudly displays the third-place award earned at the NYS Field Band Conference championships held at the Syracuse Carrier Dome.

Levittown welcomes Regent Roger Tilles

Northside Elementary School students in the Levittown Public Schools received a special visit from New York State Regent Roger Tilles on Nov. 12. Principal Frank Mortillaro and Assistant Principal Dyanne Case greeted Tilles and provided a tour of the school building.

While stopping in different classrooms throughout the morning and afternoon, Tilles received a glimpse of a day in a Levittown school by getting a taste of the daily instruction and unique programs that are offered.

During his classroom visits, Tilles

read to students, observed the writer’s workshop pilot program at the kindergarten level, visited a fifth-grade classroom, observed the school’s Yoga Foster program in action and more. Students were fully engaged as they shared what they were learning with Tilles.

“It was great to have Regent Tilles here to see all the wonderful things going on not only inside our school but in the Levittown Public Schools,” said Mortillaro. “It’s an honor to have such an influential person be part of our day and meet our wonderful kids.”

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

Elementary School Principal Frank Mortillaro (back left) and second-grade students welcomed Regent Roger Tilles (back right) to their school on Nov. 12.

Toys for Tots collection underway

The Town of Oyster Bay is currently holding this year’s “Toys for Tots” Collection Drive, which will run through December 12, in an effort to collect new, unwrapped toys to be used as gifts for children throughout the community.

“Under the direction of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, the Toys for Tots Drive follows a mission to help ensure that disadvantaged children within our community

do not have to go the holiday season without something to bring them happiness,” Town Councilman Thomwas Hand said.

“By helping those in need experience the wonderful embrace of the holiday season, contributor’s will get to play an active role in bringing happiness to one of our nation’s most valuable resources for the future, our children,” Town Councilman Anthony Macagnone said.

For those who wish to donate to “Toys for Tots”, collection boxes can be found in the following Town facilities:

• Oyster Bay Town Hall North (54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay);

• Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa);

• Department of Public Works Facility (150 Miller Place, Syosset);

• The Town of Oyster Bay Ice

Conversational, opinionated, wordsmith?

Skating Center (at Bethpage Community Park - 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage);

• Syosset-Woodbury Community Park Community Center (Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury).

For more information, please contact the Councilmembers, co-chairs of the Collection Drive, at (516) 624-6619 or (516) 624-6305; or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

We’re looking for writers in our community to compose articles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.

• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

Northside

Regent Roger Tilles spoke with fifth-grade Northside students during their lesson.

Regent Roger Tilles (left) experienced the school’s Yoga Foster program.

November 22, 2019

Vail’s Epic Pass, Alterra’s Ikon & SkiCom Give New Direction to Ski Holidays

BY KAREN RUBIN

TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

The ski industry has done something very clever – much akin to the hotel and airline loyalty programs keep you within their brand. Two giants have emerged, through acquisition or operation of mountain resorts and through partnerships that give both global reach: Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass and Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon. This year, both have enhanced their programs with value, reach and even flexibility. What it means, though, is that pass holders have more incentive and latitude to experience new destinations – across the country and around the world.

But hurry: the last date to purchase the passes is Nov. 24.

The passes, though, only get you up the mountain. Organizing all the logistics and elements of a ski vacation – from transportation, to accommodations, to rentals to activities on and off the mountain, even choosing from among the hundreds of choices the appropriate destination for a long-haul ski holiday which will be unfamiliar – is the bailiwick of a company like Ski.com.

Here’s a rundown:

Epic Pass is Epic No question about it: Vail

Resorts has stormed the entire East Coast ski market, just this season adding 17 resorts in one fell swoop with its acquisition of Peak Resorts, including such iconic destinations as Mount Snow in Vermont and Hunter Mountain in New York to a list that already included Stowe and Okemo Mountain in Vermont (and Okemo’s sister resorts, Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire and Crested Butte in Colorado), Now add in Attitash Mountain Resort, Wildcat Mountain and Crotched Mountain in New Hampshire and Liberty Mountain Resort, Roundtop Mountain Resort, Whitetail Resort, Jack Frost and Big Boulder in Pennsylvania plus seven more in the Midwest, all of which are included on this season’s Epic Pass.

New for 2019/20 – The Epic Pass now offers access to Sun Valley, Snowbasin, Rusutsu-Japan, along with the 17 Peak Resorts ski areas, including Hunter Mountain, New York and Mount Snow, Vermont. Also new for 2020: Access Falls Creek and Hotham, Australia.

The  2019-20 Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Epic Australia Pass and Military Epic Pass  now include unlimited and unrestricted access to each of the 17 newly

See page D2

Riding the bubble chair at Mount Snow, Vermont, the newest addition to Vail Resorts, now included in on the Epic Pass © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Okemo, Vermont is now part of Vail Resorts and included on the Epic Pass © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Vail’s Epic Pass, Alterra’s Ikon & SkiCom Give New Direction to Ski Holidays

Continued from page D1

acquired Peak ski areas, in addition to the access provided to some of the world’s most well-known resorts including Vail, Whistler Blackcomb, Park City and Breckenridge. Guests with an Epic Day Pass are also able to access these 17 ski areas as a part of the total number of days purchased. For the 2019-20 season, Vail Resorts is honoring all Peak Resorts pass products. Current Peak Resorts’ pass holders now have the option to upgrade to an Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass.

Epic Pass™: For $969 for adults and $509 for children (ages five to 12), the Epic Pass offers:

Unlimited, unrestricted  access to: Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe, Okemo, Mount Snow, Mount Sunapee, Attitash, Wildcat, Crotched, Hunter, Liberty, Roundtop, Whitetail, Jack Frost, Big Boulder, Stevens Pass, Alpine Valley, Boston Mills, Brandywine, Mad River, Hidden Valley, Snow Creek, Paoli Peaks, Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton, and Wilmot in North America. The Epic Pass also includes access to Perisher, Falls Creek, and Hotham in Australia.

Limited access  to partner resorts, including: seven days at each of Telluride, Sun Valley, Snowbasin, and the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies; five consecutive days at Hakuba Valley, Japan’s ten ski resorts; five consecutive days at Japan’s Rusutsu Resort. The Epic Pass also grants limited access to Les 3 Vallées in France; 4 Vallées in Switzerland; and

Skirama Dolomiti in Italy.

Epic Local Pass™: For $719 for adults, $579 for teens (ages 13 to 18) and $379 for children (ages five to 12), the Epic Local Pass offers:

Unlimited, unrestricted access to: Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, Okemo, Mount Snow, Mount Sunapee, Attitash, Wildcat, Crotched, Hunter, Liberty, Roundtop, Whitetail, Jack Frost, Big Boulder, Stevens Pass, Alpine Valley, Boston Mills, Brandywine, Mad River, Hidden Valley, Snow Creek, Paoli Peaks, Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton, and Wilmot.

Unlimited access with holiday restrictions to: Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, and Stowe.

10 total days  combined (with holiday restrictions) at: Vail, Beaver Creek, and Whistler Blackcomb.

Limited access to partner resorts, including: two days (with limited holiday restrictions) at Sun Valley; two days (with limited holiday restrictions) at Snowbasin; and five total consecutive days with no blackout dates at Hakuba Valley’s ten ski resorts in Japan; and five total consecutive days with no blackout dates at Rusutsu Resort.

Military Epic Pass™: For $159 for Active and Retired Military and their dependents and $559 for Veteran Military and their dependents, the Military Epic Pass offers:

Unlimited, unrestricted access to: Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe, Okemo, Mount Snow, Mount Sunapee, Attitash,

Wildcat, Crotched, Hunter, Liberty, Roundtop, Whitetail, Jack Frost, Big Boulder, Stevens Pass, Alpine Valley, Boston Mills, Brandywine, Mad River, Hidden Valley, Snow Creek, Paoli Peaks, Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton, and Wilmot in North America. The Military Epic Pass also includes access to Perisher, Falls Creek, and Hotham in Australia.

The New Epic Day Pass Makes Skiing and Riding More Accessible and Affordable:  New for the 2019-20 season, Vail Resorts launched the Epic Day Pass, which provides  all skiers and riders with the value and flexibility traditionally available only to season pass holders. The Epic Day Pass is a first-of-its-kind customizable pass for skiers and riders who may not need the unlimited access offered by traditional season passes, with discounts up to 50% off of lift ticket window prices and as low as $109 for one day of skiing at any of our North American resorts. Guests can lower their cost per day by adding more days and selecting the number of days they plan to ski or ride – from one day to seven days – and whether or not to add holiday access.

Use the pass at any of the Company’s North American owned resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, Park City, and more, including the 17 new resorts. Those purchasing four or more days also get access to Telluride, Sun Valley, Snowbasin, and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies as a part of the total number of days purchased.

There are also local passes. Visit https://www.epicpass.com/ pass-results/passes.aspx

IKON Pass Adds Zermatt, A-Basin Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass expands its offerings this season with the addition of Zermatt in Switzerland (and the famous Matterhorn) and Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado.

The addition of Zermatt brings the number of destinations available to Ikon Pass holders to 41 around the globe, across five continents, 12 states, 4 Canadian provinces, for a total of 84,385 acres of skiing and 4,857 trails.

The iconic Matterhorn towers over more than 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares) of terrain that spans both Switzerland and Italy, offering Swiss hospitality coupled with Italian lifestyle, in the highest skiable terrain offered in the picturesque Alps. Connected lift service offers Ikon Pass holders access to Rothorn, Gornergrat and the Schwarzsee-Matterhorn glacier paradise within the Zermatt ski area, plus Cervinia-Valtournenche ski areas in Italy, collectively known as Matterhorn ski paradise.

Ikon Pass holders will have seven-day access to Zermatt and the Matterhorn ski paradise network on the Ikon Pass with no blackout dates, and five-day access on the Ikon Base Pass, also with no blackout dates.

“The Matterhorn is a true icon known around the world, so we are thrilled to have Zermatt join the Ikon Pass community,” said Erik Forsell, Chief Marketing Officer for Alterra

Mountain Company. “Ikon Pass strives to continually offer pass holders unique experiences in the mountains. Now they can experience Zermatt’s glacier skiing, traditional Swiss fondue, plus its infamous European après ski across two countries, on one pass.”

“Zermatt and Matterhorn ski paradise are pleased to be the first European destination on the Ikon Pass, and we look forward to offering our best Swiss quality and Italian lifestyle to Ikon Pass holders everywhere. We are excited to share our passion and devotion to skiing within the Ikon Pass community and its impressive destination partners across the globe,” said Sandra Zenhäusern, Director of Marketing, Zermatt Bergbahnen AG.

The Ikon Pass unlocks adventure with access to 41 iconic winter destinations across the Americas, Switzerland, Japan, Australia and New Zealand and is a collaboration of industry leaders - Alterra Mountain Company, Aspen Skiing Company, Boyne Resorts, POWDR, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, SkiBig3, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Taos Ski Valley, Sugarbush Resort, Zermatt, Thredbo, Mt Buller, Niseko United, Valle Nevado, and NZ Ski. Each demonstrates integrity, character and independence that is reflected in their mountains and guests.

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

A-Basin is located just 68 miles from Denver and boasts the longest season in Colorado, many seasons running through the 4th of July. Affectionately known as “The Legend,” A-Basin sits on the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains and offers a high-alpine, big-mountain experience, paired with a laid-back atmosphere. Its 1,428 acres of iconic terrain includes the East Wall and Montezuma Bowl, plus The Beavers and The Steep Gullies, some of North America’s newest terrain. The Beach, a stretch of prime real estate near the lower-mountain chairlifts, transforms into a Colorado après tradition.

Ikon Pass holders will have sevenday access to A-Basin on the Ikon Pass with no blackout dates, and five-day access on the Ikon Base Pass, with selected blackout dates.

Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass connects some of the most iconic mountains across North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Chile, delivering authentic, memorable snow adventures. The Ikon Pass unlocks access to a community of diverse destinations to ski and ride, including Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Jackson

Alta Ski Area, Utah, is one of 41 ski resorts around the world included for Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass holders © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming; Big Sky Resort in Montana; Stratton, Killington and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain in Michigan; Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; SkiBig3 in Alberta, Canada; Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Cypress Mountain in British

WRITER’S CORNER

Columbia, Canada; Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine; Loon Mountain in New Hampshire; Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico; Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Alta Ski Area, and Snowbird in Utah; Zermatt in Switzerland; Thredbo and Mt Buller in Australia; Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt in New

See page D5

There are a million reasons, on Thanksgiving, to celebrate

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

In November 1621 the Pilgrims had several good reasons to get together for a celebratory dinner. In actuality, however, they had two very good reasons: they had survived a rough winter in Massachusetts and their crops had made it. Their reason for the get-together was to celebrate their harvest of corn.

It had long been customary for the Europeans to set time aside time to give thanks for their blessings, so the Pilgrims continued this custom in America.

The Plymouth settlers, known as Pilgrims, had settled in a land abandoned by the Patuxet Indians when all but one of the Indians died in a plague. After a harsh winter killed half of the Plymouth settlers, Tisquantum, aka “Squanto” came in at the request of Samoset, the first Native American to come across the Pilgrims.

Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to catch eels and how to grow corn in America. He also served as an interpreter for them since he spoke English. The Wampanoag leader Massasoit gave food to the Pilgrims during the first winter when supplies brought from England were insufficient,

according to historyofmassachusetts. org.

The Pilgrims celebrated at Plymouth for three days after their first harvest in 1621. The exact time is unknown, but it was at the traditional time, in the fall. Seventeenth-century accounts call it a harvest festival not a Thanksgiving observance per se.

It included 53 people who were on the Mayflower, which was the number of people that remained of the 102 who had landed, and 90 Native Americans. The feast was cooked by the four adult Pilgrim women who had survived their first winter in the New World, along with several boys and girls who helped.

The Pilgrims didn’t eat potatoes and they didn’t have the butter or flour necessary for making pies. The Pilgrims hadn’t even built their first oven by November 1621. Cranberries might have been served but only for color or tartness instead of as a sweet sauce.

The writings of Governor William Bradford, an important signer of the Mayflower Compact who helped organize the first Thanksgiving, don’t reveal what was actually eaten at the first Thanksgiving meal besides fowl and deer. Historians guess that mussels, lobsters, grapes, plums, corn and herbs were served because the Pilgrims often

wrote about those foods.

It is doubtful that the Pilgrims ate turkey on the first Thanksgiving. Turkey wasn’t even associated with the Thanksgiving holiday until the editor of a magazine called “Godey’s Lady’s Book” came across Edward Winslow’s writings about the feast in the 1840s. Winslow was an author, diplomat and one of the leaders of the Pilgrims.

When this editor, Sarah Josepha Hale, read Winslow’s writings, she decided to bring this historic celebration back to life. Up until that time, Thanksgiving was only a regional New England holiday and wasn’t celebrated across the country the way it is today. Hale began publishing recipes and articles about the feast.

Sarah Josepha Hale’s articles described Thanksgiving dinners with roast turkey and various trimmings and from then on the two went hand in hand. Many people believe that a Thanksgiving feast became an annual event for the Pilgrims but this isn’t clear historically. It wasn’t recorded anywhere.

Little did the Pilgrims know that with their first feast in 1621 they would start a new tradition in America. A few years later, in July of 1623, the Pilgrims held what they called a Thanksgiving

which was simply a religious day of prayer and fasting.

President George Washington declared the last Thursday in November to be a national day of Thanksgiving. Abraham Lincoln was the president who in 1863 supported legislation making Thanksgiving a national holiday on the last Thursday in November. In 1941, however, Congress changed the date so that Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.

My sister, Susan, and her husband, Don, are hosting Thanksgiving this year at their home. There should be 22 of us in total so Susan and Don are adding the leaves to their dining room table and also setting up a bridge table. Some of us will stay overnight and other relatives will drive there and leave after we spend a couple of hours playing some post-feast board games.

Last year it was my niece’s wish to help make the stuffing that went with the roast turkey. Six-year-old Sandy had watched the adults make stuffing in the past and she wanted to be part of the action. My sister-in-law, Kathy, got a large round bowl and showed Sandy

See page D5

BY TOM MARGENAU

Even after writing several recent columns about the issue, I still get many emails from readers confused about which date to choose as the starting date for their Social Security retirement benefits.

The confusion essentially centers around the fact that Social Security checks are paid one month behind. For example, the Social Security payment for November will be sent to you in December. That’s a relatively straightforward rule, but it leads to all kinds of problems, especially when people are filing for their Social Security benefits online. Here is a typical example:

Q: I will be 66 in February 2020. I don’t want any reduced benefits, so I want to make sure my checks start at age 66. The online application is asking me which month I want to start my benefits. I know checks come one month behind, so I’m afraid if I put down February as my starting month, that will be the January Social Security check, meaning I will get a reduced amount for starting my benefits before age 66. So should I indicate March as my starting month?

A: You turn 66 in February. So if you want your benefits to begin when you are 66, you should indicate February as your starting month.

In other words, don’t concern yourself with the month your Social Security check is actually delivered to you. The application question isn’t asking, “Which month do you want your first check to be sent to you?” Instead, it is essentially asking you this: “Which month do you want to be your first month of eligibility for Social Security benefits?” And again, in your case, that is February 2020.

In some cases, people sent me their questions after the fact. And it’s causing them all kinds of undue stress. Here is an example of that:

Q: I was 65 in September, and that’s when I wanted my Social Security to start. But the question on the online form confused me, and I thought if I indicated August as the starting check, knowing that it would come in September, then September would be my starting month. But then I got a letter from Social Security telling me that my benefits had started in August, one month before my 65th birthday, meaning I now will get a reduced benefit for the rest of my life. Please help me. What can I do about this?

A: What you can do is relax. You made a little goof. You can correct it if you want. But really, it’s not that big a deal, so you may want to just let things ride.

Filing Date Still Confuses Readers

You didn’t give me your benefit amount, but let’s assume your age 65 benefit rate would have been $2,200 per month. But you mistakenly started your Social Security at age 64 years and 11 months. Retirement benefits are reduced five-ninths of 1% for each month they are taken early. So your monthly rate (with an August start date) might be about $2,185 or so. In other words, you will lose around $15 per month forever. But on the plus side, you got that one extra $2,185 Social Security check for August. It will take you about 145 months, or more than 12 years, before you come out on the short end of the stick by making this minor error in your starting date. Or to put that another way, you will be 77 years old before this mistake catches up with you.

If I were you, I wouldn’t worry about it, and I’d just let things go. But if it is going to bother you, you can contact the Social Security Administration and tell them you want to withdraw your original claim and file a new claim with September as your starting date. If you do that, you will have to return the Social Security checks you’ve already received.

Now here is a question from someone who also made a mistake, but in the opposite direction:

Q: Oh, my gosh! I don’t know what to do! I turned 66 in September. The online form asked me when I wanted my checks to start, and I said October, knowing that the September check comes in October. I just got a letter from the SSA telling me that October is my starting month, with my first check coming in November. So, because of this mistake, I’m missing my September Social Security check. What can I do?

A: As I advised the previous reader, you could go back to the SSA and tell them you want to withdraw that claim you made and file a new claim with September as your starting month.

Or, you could just let things go the way they are. Because you started your Social Security benefits one month after your full retirement age, you will get a little something extra in your monthly checks. It’s not much. You get a two-thirds of 1% increase. It’s called a “delayed retirement credit.” (For people who wait until age 70 to start their benefits, those delayed retirement credits add up. You get 32% added to your monthly check if you wait that long.)

You didn’t give dollar amounts, but let’s say your age 66 benefit would have been $2,500 per month. With this one extra delayed retirement credit, you might get 20 bucks or so added to your check each month. That’s the good news. The bad news is that you lost one check (the September payment). It’s going to take you about 10 years to make up that one

benefit payment you lost. So, if you think you’re going to live past age 76, you will actually come out ahead because of this mistake you made.

And finally, here is a question about filing dates with a bit of a twist:

Q: I was 62 on August 15. I filed for my Social Security to start when I turned 62. I expected my first benefit payment (the August check) to come in September. But I didn’t get my first check until October. Did I do something wrong?

A: You did nothing wrong. All is well. There is a law that says you must be 62 for an entire month before you can get a check for that month. September is the first time you were 62 all month. So the September check is the first one you are due, and it was sent to you in October.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.

COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COM

There are a million reasons, on Thanksgiving, to celebrate

C ontinued from page D3

how to tear pieces of bread and toss them into the bowl.

Sandy added some chicken stock, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning and Kathy showed Sandy how to mix it all up with a large spoon. Kathy chopped some celery and onions and sautéed them in butter in a pan on top of the stove. When they were cooked, Kathy very carefully added them to the bowl and let Sandy mix them all around.

When Kathy said it looked good, together Kathy and Sandy put some of the stuffing into the 20-lb. turkey then spooned the rest of the stuffing into a Pyrex roasting dish. Kathy covered the pan of stuffing with plastic wrap and placed it in the refrigerator until it was time to go in the oven.

Kathy had preset the oven to 350 degrees. First the turkey went in for 4 ½ hours then for the last half hour they placed the pan of stuffing in the oven. When Kathy pulled it out, Sandy kept ooohing and aaahing over how it looked since the stuffing looked delicious.

That was Sandy’s claim to fame for Thanksgiving and she proudly showed off the dish to anyone who would look. We gathered at the tables, said a prayer of thanks and enjoyed our holiday meal.

My nine-year-old nephew, Jerry, told us all about a children’s story that a teacher at his school had read to them before last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. It was Eileen Spinelli’s “Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’” which was originally published in 1982. It is a favorite of many people.

Philadelphia, Pa.-born Eileen Spinelli writes about a Thanksgiving Day that starts out well for one family, the Tappletons, but a series of unfortunate events occur and it makes each family member question the real meaning of Thanksgiving Day.

In this fictional story the Tappletons start the day hungry and each family member has a job to do. They watch as, one by one, the courses of their holiday meal sidestep the dining room table.

The big turkey slips away when Mike the milkman rings the doorbell to hand Mrs. Tappleton a gift of eggnog for the holiday and she answers it with the turkey under her arm. It slips out of her hands and down the icy hill and into the pond. Plop! Splash! It bubbled out of sight.

The salad has been fed to the school rabbits because the day before Kenny reached into the refrigerator for lettuce, carrots and radishes and brought them to Mrs. Butterworth’s class. Jenny is mashing the potatoes but she gets chatting with her best friend, Nora, on the phone and the electric mixer sends them flying and well, that’s that. “The mixer went wild,” Jenny says.

Simms’ bakery is sold out when Mr. Tappleton asks for his pies . . . and so on, until Uncle Fritz and Grandfather Tappleton think that they won’t be eating their Thanksgiving Day dinner at all.

It is when Grandmother Tappleton reminds everyone, “Of course there is something to be thankful for. There is more to Thanksgiving than a turkey and trimmings,” that the Tappletons begin to improvise … and end up enjoying a most unusual holiday “feast.” They may not have had the turkey that they all had counted on but they were all together as a family.

We all applauded after Jerry gave us that good summary of the story. It pretty much set the tone for our Thanksgiving feast last year - making us feel glad that we were together - and as I prepare for this special holiday, I think about it again.

In her book “Thanksgiving at the

Tappletons’” Eileen Spinelli does a good job of explaining what the true meaning of Thanksgiving is all about. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

All About Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts

In September of 1620, 102 Pilgrims left Plymouth, England, a port on the southern coast, aboard the Mayflower. Usually the Mayflower’s cargo was wine and dry goods, but on this trip the ship carried passengers who crossed the Atlantic Ocean. They hoped to start a new life on the other side of the Atlantic. Nearly 40 of these passengers were Protestant Separatists who hoped to establish a new church in the New World.

The Pilgrims’ intent was to establish a settlement in the Hudson River area in the northern reaches of the recently established Virginia Colony. After a 66-day journey, however, they made landfall roughly 500 miles north of their target on the east coast of Massachusetts, southeast of the present-day Boston. Whether this was done on purpose or accidentally no one knows. By legend the Pilgrims stepped ashore at Plymouth Rock although their records do not mention this landmark.

Settlers began erecting buildings and rough shelters for the winter. It turned out to be a very harsh winter. Over time the colony gradually grew in size, and the original settlement known as the Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Mass., expanded as settlers built houses in the area.

Plymouth Colony retained its independence for more than 70 years, and by 1691 its population exceeded 7,000. It was integrated with the Massachusetts Bay Company’s much larger colony to establish the royal colony of Massachusetts.

Today’s Plimoth Plantation, which was founded in 1947, is a not-forprofit living history museum. People can tour Plimoth Plantation where they have historical interpreters who interact with today’s visitors in the first person, answering questions, discussing their lives and viewpoints, and participating in tasks such as cooking, planting, blacksmithing and animal husbandry.

The museum grounds at Plimoth Plantation also include Nye Barn, where historical breeds of livestock are kept, a crafts center where many objects are created for use in the village exhibits, a cinema where educational videos are shown and more. The re-enactment of events helps bring the history to life for visitors.

C ontinued from page D3

Zealand; Niseko United in Japan, and Valle Nevado in Chile. Special offers are available at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, the world’s largest heli-skiing and heli-accessed hiking operation.

The Ikon Pass is available at  www. ikonpass.com

Alterra Mountain Company is a family of 14 iconic year-round destinations, including the world’s largest heli-ski operation, and the Ikon

Pass. The company owns and operates a range of recreation, hospitality, real estate development, food and beverage, retail and service businesses. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Alterra Mountain Company spans six U.S. states and three Canadian provinces: Steamboat and Winter Park Resort in Colorado; Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Stratton in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec, Blue

Mountain in Ontario; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures in British Columbia. Also included in the portfolio is Alpine Aerotech, a worldwide helicopter support and maintenance service center in British Columbia, Canada. Alterra Mountain Company honors each destination’s unique character and authenticity and

See page D6

Vail’s Epic Pass, Alterra’s Ikon & SkiCom Give New Direction to Ski Holidays

C ontinued from page D5

celebrates the legendary adventures and enduring memories they bring to everyone.

For more information, visit www. alterramtnco.com.

Ski .com Facilitates Planning Long-Haul Holidays

With the global reach of Epic Pass and Ikon, the whole world is now the skiers’ oyster, encouraging more and more people to venture to Europe, Asia and Australia for an entirely different downhill experience.

The passes create new incentives for season-pass holders to go further afield from their “local” or familiar mountain, even “shopping” for where the best snow may be or novel activities, amenities, vibe or ambiance. This makes the services of a travel agent with particular expertise in mountain resorts to assist with the logistics (air, car rent-

al, lodging, even rentals, etc.) more in demand. SkiCom, a travel agency/broker specializing in skiing and mountain resorts, brings that expertise cultivated over 50 years, especially when venturing to more off-the-beaten track, even exotic or remote destinations, out of your comfort zone, where help with lodgings, transportation, and non-ski or après-ski activities brings extra value.

Ski.com’s 65 mountain travel experts live and breathe ski culture. They are ski and snowboard enthusiasts who know the intimate details about each resort because they’ve been there, and done that.

These experiences allow them to accurately determine which resort(s) and accommodation(s) is perfect for each customer, based on their interests and budget.

Another benefit of using a ski specialist to help coordinate a long-distance vacation is mitigating the cost. With the

Deer Valley, Utah’s legendary Stein Eriksen Lodge. Ski.com can help coordinate all the elements of a ski holiday including accommodations, transportation, rentals, on and off mountain activities © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Skiing Keystone, Colorado, a Vail Resort included on the Epic Pass © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

rising cost of skiing, “people want to make sure they’re receiving more value for the higher cost,” says Dan Sherman, Ski.com chief marketing officer. “This is where Ski.com can help. In addition for being able to hunt for the best price, we really excel by matching people with the vacation components that are right for them. Also, not too long ago, all you needed for a successful ski vacation was a hotel, a chairlift and a bar. Now, resorts offer world-class amenities, spas, dining, improved family and ski school facilities and additional on- and off-mountain activities.”

Founded in 1971 in the heart of Colorado ski country, Aspenheadquartered Ski.com is one of North America’s largest providers of mountain vacation packages and an industry leader in online travel technology. Ski. com is actually an amalgam of some of the most famous names in ski travel companies: beginning as Aspen Ski Tours, which became Ski.com in 1999; the company over time acquired Lynx Vacations, GoWest Tours, Adventures on Skis, Sportours, AnyMountain Tours, and Rocky Mountain Tours. The company has booked travel for more than one million skiers and riders.

Ski.com specializes in booking custom ski vacations at more than 120 of the most popular ski resorts and heliand cat-skiing destinations in North America, Europe, Japan and South America, with relationships with more than 120 destinations worldwide and over 4,000 properties worldwide. It is a one-stop shop for custom ski vacation packages that can include everything from discounted lift tickets, lodging, flights, equipment rental, ground transfers, lessons and off-mountain activities (such as dogsledding or nordic skiing). Visit Ski.com (you can do an on-line chat with a specialist) or call 800-9085000 or 970-429-3099.

© 2019 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com,  www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karenrubin & travelwritersmagazine.com/ TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar. wordpress.com & moralcompasstravel. info. Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @ TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook. com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Interviewing brokers to sell your property

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

So now you have decided to finally consider selling your property and now you have to decide how to approach this most arduous, complicated and nerve-racking process. Do you do this on your own (For Sale by Owner/ FSBO) or hire a knowledgeable professional who has years of experience in all facets of the residential and commercial real estate business.

So how do you start, you say to yourself? Then you ask yourself, should I hire someone I know, a good friend or someone my friend knows and recommends? That’s a possible route, but now step back and think about it. Recommendations can be an excellent source to pursue.

However, the overall knowledge of that individual should come into play and who best to know and have had experience with that most important ingredient, but one who has had direct contact in the past in working with that Broker on a sale or purchase of a property. I am surely not saying that friends and associates won’t necessarily have your back and recommend someone that is not a true professional, but my motto is, “you’re only as good as your last deal.”

The exception to that is the testimonials and reviews that an expert real estate broker receives from past sellers, purchasers, investors, renters and lessees of residential and commercial properties who have had the first-hand experience on a one on one basis, in dealing with that broker before, during and after the sale! From my own research and experience, testimonials and reviews over the short and long run are the lifeblood of a professional, regardless of the industry that they are employed or in business within. They become some of your most crucial advocates in the course of one’s career, whether real estate or any other profession of job.

Of course, your friends, family members, and business associates can be a source of recommendations for whom to use, who knows that person for his or her scope of knowledge, character, honesty, qualifications, disposition, attitude and other important qualities. But sometimes relying on friends and business associates for recommendations can turn into a disaster as I have been told; hearing many stories from

clients, purchasers, even in conversations from strangers in how difficult and stressful it was. I am quite sure that you would rather keep your friendships and close relationships than lose them, especially when your sale or purchase is probably the most expensive commodity that one purchases in their lifetime.

Making sure that the person you hire or are working with, guides you through the process from beginning to the closing table, by showing, advising and consulting you through their concerted efforts, disciplined actions and the sacrifice of their valuable time! This process takes some serious knowledge, expertise and time tested trial and error to perfect and mold one’s way to do business and handle their clientele. Many who try to travel this path don’t always receive the proper training and guidance from whoever is educating them whether it is their broker or outside groups or individual mentors. Many don’t prove they’re worthy or gain the proper information due to lack of business experience, not sure of the correct way to go, confusion as to what to learn, laziness, wrong attitude, dedication and most crucial, their motivation and passion to be in the real estate business.

For these reasons I believe, this is a major contributing factor in the dropout rate of agents being excessively high and would be lower if those factors were addressed, minimized and a solution was found. More important, there are those who have this agenda to pick the shortest path to get their commission check without really knowing what to do from start to finish in having the necessary tools and expert knowledge to provide what that seller, investor, buyer and even renter and lessee are so desperately looking for to enable their search to the eventual sale or purchase to have a positive outcome. I have seen many within our industry trying to sell real estate instead of consulting their clientele. Advocates and those that you have done business with who verbally expound the virtues of how good you were are very important and a great way to gain future refer-

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rals. But having something in writing as a testimonial and review of services rendered is one of the most powerful tools to be able to utilize as proof of how the quality of your services was to them during the process. So the reaction and rating from clients, purchasers or renters and their true feelings and experience about the agent’s performance and the services provided, if exemplary and top-notch, would go a long way if put into a review or testimonial.

Unfortunately, future clients will most likely not know your personal friends, business associates or any of your advocates, so having reviews and testimonials posted in the proper places, allows those that don’t know you to have a clear picture painted of you and your business and truly your essence, what you represent and who you are as a Realtor. I believe the longer the track record and length in business and the more positive comments, the more successful you will become and the more you will earn in real estate.

Anyone can take a licensing class and pass the NYS exam, but those basic preliminary tests don’t teach or closely prepare you for the real test of the business in all the critical and crucial areas of knowledge and expertise needed to be learned. Knowing how to consult your clienteles in negotiating, keeping within the Department of State rules and regulations, as well as our local MLS rules and regulations too and creating a workable business plan, learning technology, knowledge of construction, heating, electrical and so many other facets of the business that the typical agent doesn’t know about or even understand. Consumers today, and especially the millennial crowd, demand and expect those in our business to be the most knowledgeable and experienced about all the aspects of our industry and all those things necessary to guide them from the start of showing property, to advising and consulting them (and not selling them vanilla if they need and want to purchase chocolate) and assist them with paperwork, suggestions for improvements of their prospective purchase and so much more to go through the

process in as smooth a fashion with the least amount of stress and hassles possible. For many, it is an extremely challenging porcess, but it must be learned, absorbed and applied to truly become a successful Realtor. Having gone through additional classes and earning the Graduate of the Realtor Institute and Certified International Property Specialist designations prove that the Broker has exceeded and gone way beyond what is typically expected of someone in our industry. Moreover, it provides so much more in knowledge and proper practices with varied cultures to prove their expertise and worthiness and above-average earnings. So when you are ready to sell, and begin the process of interviewing, don’t just get so impressed with a large company or all those million-dollar producers, because I have a secret, with prices at all-time highs, most of us are million-dollar producers, even if we have sold as little as one property. Get impressed with those that have the greatest knowledge, expertise, credibility, straight forwardness, reliability, and consistency, follow up and above average reviews and testimonials to backup how good they really are as being an absolute requirement and necessity in the Real Estate business today.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.). He will provide you with “free” regular updates of sold and new homes in your town via the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island (MLSLI) or go to WWW.Li-REalEstate.Com as well as a “free” value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any “strings” attached. He can also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality or Our Seller’s or Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling or Purchasing your Home. Just email or snail mail(regular mail) him with your request with your name, email and cell number and he will send it out ASAP. For a consultation, he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.Com to answer any of your questions or concerns.

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EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

EXPERIENCED

RECEPTIONIST & CLERICAL PART TIME SEASONAL POSITIONS available. Located in Franklin Square. Please call: 516-358-9455

FRONT DESK HEALTH

CARE ASSISTANT P/T

Floral Park Ophthalmology Practice seeking individual to work P/T in a team environment providing optimal patient experience in busy medical office. Experience preferred includes good communication/ phone skills, multitasking, processing of patients, utilization of office software & other office computer programs, electronic billing, insurance. Will provide training. Please email cover letter & resume to: office_mgr@drjindra.com

JOB OPPORTUNITY:

$18.50 P/H NYC $15 P/H LI $14.50 P/H UPSTATE NYH.

If you currently care for your relatives or friends who have Medicaid or Medicare, you may be eligible to start working for them as a personal assistant. No Certificates needed. 347-462-2610 or 347-565-6200

TAX PREPARER PART TIME

Franklin Square. Experience needed. Retirees welcome Call 516-358-9455 Fax resume 516-358-9483

Our Service Directory is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

CARE GIVER

PRIVATE CARE GIVER

Trained Experienced Nursing Assistant/Companion to care for your loved ones at home or in a health care facility. NY State certified nursing assistant with excellent references! Call: 516-410-9943

ELDER CARE AIDE/ COMPANION:

Certified Aide seeking to provide private duty care to Great Neck or surrounding area. Excellent references. Call: 917-8282809

ELDER CARE:

Mature woman available to take care of elderly person 3 days / week daytime hours. Light cooking. Local excellent references. Own car available. Please call Luisa 516-485-9215 or 516-451-1781. Leave message.

Are you a professional?

Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

REWARDING OPPTY

Part Time/After School Hrs Will Train. Driving a Plus Work 1:1 with children with developmental disabilities living in your community. (5 towns, Far Rockaway, Long Island) Call:718-686-3487 www.ohelfamily.org/careers

EMPLOYMENT

CAREER TRAINING

AIRLINE CAREERS Start here. Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866296-7094

TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING

Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get trained, certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A PLACE FOR MOM has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call: 1-800-4048852

FINANCE

DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?

Appeal! If you’re over 50+, filed for SSD and denied, our attorneys can help get you approved! No money out of pocket! 855478-2506

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MARKETPLACE

A.T. STEWART EXCHANGE CONSIGNMENT SHOP ********************

TURN YOUR TREASURES INTO CASH!

Come to Consign/Stay to Shop!

109 Eleventh Street, Garden City 516-746-8900

Antiques-FurnitureJewelry-SilverMirrors-Lamps-ArtworkChinaCrystal-Collectibles

Tuesday-Friday 10-4 Saturday 12-4

(10% Sr. Discount Tues) All proceeds benefit The Garden City Historical Society Email: store@atstewartexchange.org

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SUBSTITUTE TYPIST/ ACCOUNT CLERK

Nassau BOCES has short & long-term assignments. Resp's. incl: entering data, phones, accounts payable/receivable. Applicants with accts. payable/ receivable exp. pref'd. HS Diploma, computer skills req'd. $18.35/hr. Send resume to: HR Dept.Ad # HR-57, Nassau BOCES, 71 Clinton Road, Garden City, NY 11530

Equal Opportunity Employer

MARKETPLACE

CHRISTMAS SHOP OPEN

Come visit our bigger than ever Christmas Shop. We have ornaments, tabletop Christmas trees, Christmas cookware/dining, toys, Christmas decorations. Wrapping paper, bags, cards. Come early. Items will not last!! New items every day. Open Thursdays & Saturdays. 10am-4pm.

Bargains & Blessings Thrift Shop147 Campbell Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596

INVITED ESTATE SALES BY TRACY

JORDAN

Looking to sell items from your home?

Consider doing an Online Auction!

Online Auctions reach more interested buyers than tag sales and can often sell for more than what you would make at an estate or tag sale.

Invited Estate Sales by Tracy Jordan can do both! You can sell your items online reaching potential buyers locally or globally as well as hosting a private sale from your home! Let us guide you on what items to put in auction including furniture, housewares, decorative items, jewelry, collectibles, coins, artwork and anything else you may no longer want or need. Our services can help you to maximize your selling experience whether you are selling 1 item or 500 items. We are a one stop service for all your needs when you are moving or selling a property! Selling, donating, discarding and cleaning out services can be done to meet your time frame with minimal stress.

Estate and Tag Sales Online Auctions

Cleanout and Moving Services

Home Staging Services Appraisals

Contact for more info: info@invitedsales.com or Call:

516-279-6378 to schedule a consultation or receive more information. www.invitedsales.com

Place an ad for anything you need in our classifieds section! Call 294-8900 for rates and information.

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

MARKETPLACE

WANTED TO BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

Oriental items, clothing, art, old & modern furniture, estates, jewelry, silver, glassware, dishes, old photos, coins & stamps, flatware, comic books, action figures.

Call George 718-386-1104 or 917-775-3048

RARE RECORD COLLEC-

TIONS WANTED: Autographs, memorabilia, obscure artists. All sizes / categories. House-calls, drop-offs. All About Records 396 Rockaway Ave #E Valley Stream Charles 516-945-7705 groupssound@aol.com

SERVICES

A GARDEN CITY ANIMAL

LOVER doesn’t want to leave your precious pooch or fantastic feline alone all day. I’m reliable, dependable and will walk and feed your pet while you work or travel. Please call Cheryl at 516-971-3242

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR to Wheels For Wishes, benefitting Make-a-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 631-317-2014 Today!

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

APARTMENT FOR RENT

APARTMENT FOR RENT

WESTERN NASSAU COUNTY

Beautiful ground floor, one bedroom apartment available in Central Western Nassau County. Private entrance, full kitchen, full bath, central air, private parking, very close to Mineola LIRR. $1,550 plus utilities. Non-smokers, no pets. Background checks required. NO BROKERS Call: 516-844-0130

GARDEN CITY BORDER

APARTMENT: Huge, Bright 2BR, 2 Bath Apt $2,200.00 + Electric. Gated Parking / Garage Available, Laundry Room, Air Conditioning, Hardwood Floors, LIRR, NO BROKER FEE.

www.gcbapts.com Voice or text: 516-524-6965

OFFICE SPACE

GARDEN CITY 1565 FRANKLIN AVE

Large Windowed Offices in newly built professional suite. Conference room, reception, copier, pantry included. Ample parking available. Call 516-248-3048

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

OPEN HOUSE

AQUEBOGUE

Saturday 11/23

2pm-4pm

24 N. Apollo Dr Immaculate Ranch! Open floor plan. LR/Great Rm, EIK, Dining Area. 3 BRs & 2 full Baths. Beautiful Sunroom w/heat & central air. CAC, HW floors. Full basement partially finished. Just Listed! $465,000 Colony Realty

Valerie Goode 516-319-0106

MATTITUCK

Saturday November 23

1:00pm 3:00pm 1645 Bungalow Lane

Waterfront Ranch with panoramic views and boat dock! New Kitchen, LR / Fireplace & Cathedral Ceilings, 3 BRs, 2 Baths. Full Basement, 2 Car Garage & Large Rear Deck. Landscaped 1/2 acre. $1,295,000 Colony Realty

Carll Austin 516-658-2623

RIVERHEAD

Saturday, November 23 11am to 1pm

75 Eight Bells Rd. Enjoy this fantastic Reeves Park Ranch! 3 BRs, 1.5 Baths. Close to beautiful Long Island Sound beach! Open floor plan for family gatherings. Experience the North Fork yearround enjoying vineyards, farms & beaches. $349,000 Colony Realty

Valerie Goode 516-319-0106

RIVERHEAD

Sunday November 24

1:00 3:00 11 Midland St. Reeves Park! Make this your beach house! North Fork Getaway. 4BR, 1 Bath Ranch! Custom outdoor shower. Large back yard with patio and deck. CAC. Enjoy the harvest festivals, wineries, cider house and more! $399,000 Colony Realty. Valerie Goode 516-319-0106

REAL ESTATE WANTED

HOMES WANTED

GARDEN CITY

Young G.C. couple looking for a home to purchase in Garden City Pre-approved Close at your convenience. NO BROKERS PLEASE Call or Text: 516-729-2359

SERVICES

SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY!

TV, Internet & Voice for $99.97 /mo. 100 MB per second speed. Free Primetime on Demand. Unlimited Voice. NO CONTRACTS. Call 1-855-977-7198 or visit: http :/ / tripleplaytoday.com / press

ATTORNEY

STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates.com

COMPUTERS

COMPUTER ISSUES? FREE

DIAGNOSIS by GEEKS ON SITE! Virus removal, data recovery! 24/7 Emergency Service, in home repair/on line solutions. $20 off any service! 844-892-3990

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AMBIANCE

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

*Handyman & Remodeling

*Kitchen Installations

*Furniture Assembly

*Finish Carpentry

*Minor Electrical & Plumbing 25year GC Resident Lic & Ins H18E2170000 Call BOB 516-741-2154

AQUATEC

LAWN SPRINKLERS

Fall Drain Outs

Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates

Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS

EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in home consultation: 888-657-9488

LAMPS FIXED $65 In home service. Handy Howard. 646-996-7628

MADE IN THE SHADE

Custom Window Treatments

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli.com 516-426-2890

MASONRY

All types of stonework

Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates

Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000

Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY! Slate & Tile Specialists All types of Roofing Local References Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

ROOF LEAKS REPAIRED

Slate Roof Repairs

Snow Guards

Copper Flashing Replacements

Asphalt Roof Repairs

Gutter Clean Outs

Nassau Lic#H1859520000 B.C. Roofing Call:516-983-0860

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager

Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323

www.drannmariedangelo.com 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

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Plastering, Taping, Sheetrock

Skim Cutting, Old Wood Refinish, Staining, Wallpaper Removal & Hanging, Paint Removal, Power Washing, Wood Replacement

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Call John anytime: 516-901-9398 (Cell) 516-483-3669 (Office)

MICHELANGELO

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RELAX & ENJOY

Your Next Party! Catering and Experienced Professional Services for Assisting with Preparation, Serving and Clean Up Before, During and After Your Party Bartenders Available. Call Kate at 516-248-1545

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COMPUTER SKILLS TUTOR

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SERVICES

CLEANING

CLEANING AVAILABLE EXPERIENCED POLISH HOUSE CLEANER

Good references, ability. Very honest, reliable, responsible and hard working. Own transportation. English speaking. Flexible days and hours. Reasonable rates. I will do a good job.

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CLEANING SERVICES

Available to clean Homes, Offices, Apartments, etc.

Excellent LOCAL references. Contact Erika or Dunia 516-808-2940

SERVICES

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Established 1971. Long Island and New York State specialists. Residential, Commercial, Piano & Organ experts. Boxes available. Free estimates. www. ajmoving.com 516-741-2657 114 Jericho Tpk, Mineola NYDOT# 10405

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If you don’t live in the West Coast or southern Florida, you probably experienced some record cold temperatures last week. It was very cold in a lot of places that are supposed to be warm this time of year.

Plants are not all created equal. Plants native to areas near the equator are called tropical plants. As a group, they don’t do well if the temperature drops into the 50s. Subtropical plants are native to areas closer to the poles and at higher altitudes than tropical plants and can often survive a frost. Temperate plants are native to lands that always expose them to frost or freezing.

All cold weather is not the same, either. Each time it occurs, the cold air mass lingers for a different amount of time and has a different size, direction, humidity and wind speed. The exact same cold system in November causes a lot more damage to plants than in January because plants are not prepared for or acclimated to the harsh November weather.

Temperate and subtropical plants exposed to shorter days and cooler temperatures develop more antifreeze that helps them survive cold weather. This process takes time, and some plants may not have been entirely ready for last week’s cold.

Every individual landscape has microclimates that cool off slower and warm up quicker, so the total amount of time that the tempera-

Cold Weather A GREENER VIEW

BY JEFF RUGG

ture is below freezing is less in certain parts of the landscape. The sun warms south-facing walls, and trees trap warmth released from the ground, even when the branches are bare, keeping areas near buildings and under trees slightly warmer.

All of these differences mean that each time there is a cold spell, the plants exposed to the cold are going to react differently. A temperature of 25 F in one cold spell may kill plants that survived an earlier 20 F cold spell. A plant in the shelter of a building may survive the night that kills the same kind of plant farther from the building’s warmer microclimate.

The first symptom that is going to show up on cold, damaged plants is dead, brown leaves. Lawns and evergreen shrubs often show symptoms first. Plants without leaves will have bark and bud damage that won’t be visible for a few days or weeks. Scratching just under the bark should show green tissue, not brown.

The preferred treatment of frost-damaged plants is to leave them alone until spring. Dead leaves don’t always mean a dead plant. Don’t try to force growth by fertilizing or watering. There may be more cold weather coming that would damage a plant that is trying to grow new leaves. Pruning should only be done on plants that have begun growing again, when live wood can be determined.

Covering plants works best if

the cover is waterproof, goes all the way to the ground, doesn’t touch any leaves and insulates the plants. A blanket and plastic work better than either alone. Covering works best for a frosty night, not a cold weather system lasting for days. Plastic touching leaves transfers heat and allows the leaves to freeze.

Palms cannot replace freeze-damaged, water-conducting cells in the trunk like other plants. A frozen palm may look fine until all the water in the trunk is consumed, and then it will suddenly wilt and die. The central growing point of a palm tree already has next spring’s leaves. If they are damaged by the cold, they will come out distorted and brown and may need to be pruned at that point.

While seeds may be strong, flowers and fruit are the most frost-tender parts of almost every plant, which is why the citrus trees survive, but the fruit does not. Leaves are often expendable, even on broadleaved evergreens like hollies, palms and rhododendrons.

Cold-damaged plants will be more susceptible to disease in the spring. You may need to have a certified arborist look at any trees you think are having problems. Fungicide and fertilizer treatments may be necessary to restore health to freeze damaged trees.

On the bright side, many insect pests were also probably not pre-

pared for the cold, and there may be fewer pests in the spring.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@greenerview.com. To find out more about Jeff Rugg and read features by other Creators Syndi-

cate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2019 JEFF RUGG DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS SYNDICATE

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court

Nassau County FGMC IN LIEU OF TRUE CORPORATE NAME FIRST GUARANTY MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff against BRYAN HIGGINS; JESSICA HIGGINS; ALEXA HIGGINS; LAUREN HIGGINS, Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on August 3, 2018.

I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. on the 3rd day of December, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. premises described as follows: All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, Lying and being at Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Said premises known as 35 Libby Avenue, Hicksville, N.Y. 11801.

(Section: 12, Block: 291, Lot: 22). Approximate amount of lien $ 331,676.57 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 601530-18.

Kathleen Wright, Esq., Referee. Stern & Eisenberg, PC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff Woodbridge Corporate Plaza 485 B Route 1 South – Suite 330 Iselin, NJ 08830 (732) 582-6344 MIT 5849 4X 11/01,08,15,22

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY FSB D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST AS TRUSTEE FOR PNPMS TRUST II, Plaintiff, vs.

THEOCHARIS PHILIPPOU A/K/A THEOCHARRIS

PHILIPPOU A/K/A HARRIS

PHILIPPOU A/K/A HARRY

PHILIPPOU A/K/A THEOCHAIRUS PHILIPPOU, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly filed on September 12,

2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the CCP (Calendar Control Part Courtroom) in the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on December 10, 2019 at 11:30 a.m., premises known as 2 Prose Street, Hicksville, NY. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 11, Block 309 and Lot 33, 35. Approximate amount of judgment is $578,855.97 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 1488/2015.

Lisa Singer, Esq., Referee The Frank Law Firm P.C., 333 Glen Head Road, Suite 208, Old Brookville, NY 11545, Attorneys for Plaintiff MIT 5852 4X 11/08,15,22,29

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County NJCC-NYS COMMUNITY RESTORATION FUND LLC, Plaintiff against

THERESA KEMERSON A/K/A

THERESA TOSCANO, et al Defendants

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 30, 2019, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York 11501 on December 10, 2019 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 202 Roxton Road, Plainview, New York 11803. Sec 12 Block 565 Lot 57. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Woodbury, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of N.Y.. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $562,023.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 002693/2015. Cash will not be accepted at the sale.

Richard L. Farley, Esq., Referee 2236-000157

Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 565 Taxter Road, Suite 590,

LEGAL NOTICES

Elmsford, NY 10523

Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s).

MIT 5853

4X 11/08,15,22,29

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, Against SURESH B. KATTAYAM, RADHA KATTAYAM, Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 3/5/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, in the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, on 12/10/2019 at 11:30 am, premises known as 5 Cedar Street, Plainview NY 11803, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Plainview, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, and designated on the tax maps of the Nassau County Treasurer as Section 46, Block 149 and Lot 82. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $688,989.39 plus interest and costs. The premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 2312/2017.

Ralph Madalena, Esq., Referee. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Dated: 10/8/2019

File Number: 32001 MNB MIT 5854 4X 11/08,15,22,29

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County US BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE OF THE IGLOO SERIES III TRUST, Plaintiff, -againstVIJAY DADLANI; PRAVEENA DADLANI; LANCASTER MORTGAGE BANKERS; KAVITA DADLANI, Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated,

October 18, 2007 and entered with the Nassau County Clerk on October 25, 2007, as amended by an Order duly dated March 13, 2018 and entered with the Nassau County Clerk on March 19, 2018, Lisa Siano, Esq., the Appointed Referee, will sell the premises known as 3165 Dorset Lane, Levittown, New York 117565 a/k/a 3165 Dorset Lane, Hempstead, New York 11756 at public auction at Supreme Court of Nassau County, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York 11501, Calendar Control Part, on December 17, 2019 at 11:30

A.M. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York known as Section: 51; Block: 261; Lot: 8 will be sold subject to the provisions of filed Judgment, Index No. 011816/2006. The approximate amount of judgment is $416,333.25 plus interest and costs.

FRIEDMAN VARTOLO LLP

85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. MIT 5855

4X 11/15,22,29,12/06

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST 2006-CW2, Plaintiff AGAINST WILLIAM C. GORMAN, LIONELLA LABONI AKA LIONELLA IABONI, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated March 20, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, on December 17, 2019 at 11:30AM, premises known as 79 WINTER LANE, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION 45, BLOCK 305, LOT 2. Approximate amount of judgment $560,045.27 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment for Index#

611569/2018.

GEORGE P. ESERNIO, ESQ., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 MIT 5856 4X 11/15,22,29,12/06

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs.

KEITH P. HICKEY A/K/A KEITH HICKEY, BARBARA A. FALKENBACK A/K/A BARBARA HICKEY, et al., Defendants

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on October 4, 2019, I, Victor Levin, Esq, the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on December 17, 2019 at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, County of Nassau, State of New York, at 11:30 A.M., the premises described as follows: 15 Crown Street Hicksville, NY 11801 SBL No.: 12-299-24

ALL THAT TRACT OF PARCEL OF LAND Situate in Hicksville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 602807/2018 in the amount of $467,583.26 plus interest and costs.

Todd Z. Marks, Esq. Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Plaintiff’s Attorney 500 Bausch & Lomb Rochester, New York 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 MIT 5857 4X 11/15,22,29,12/06

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County U.S. BANK TRUST N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF11 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, V.

KRISTINE RUTIGLIANO

A/K/A KRISTINE SUAREZ RUTIGLIANO A/K/A KRISTINE SUAREZ, AS VOLUNTARY

ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE JOHN RUTIGLIANO; ET. AL.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated September 11, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF11 MASTER PARTICIPATION

TRUST is the Plaintiff and KRISTINE RUTIGLIANO

A/K/A KRISTINE SUAREZ A/K/A KRISTINE SUAREZ, AS VOLUNTARY ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE JOHN RUTIGLIANO; ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the CALENDAR CONTROL PART (CCP) COURTROOM OF THE SUPREME COURT, FIRST FLOOR, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on December 10, 2019 at 11:30 am, premises known as 3923 BERGER AVENUE, BETHPAGE, NY 11714: Section 46, Block 546, Lot 9: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING NEAR PLAINEDGE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 20058/2010.

Jeffrey B. Fox, Esq. - Referee. RAS Boriskin, LLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. BN 7432 4X 11/08,15,22,29

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court Nassau County FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST PETER SUTHERLAND, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated January 20, 2015 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Calendar Control Part (CCP) Courtroom of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, on December 10, 2019 at 11:30AM, premises known as 3724 STOKES AVENUE, BETHPAGE, NY 11714. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION 46, BLOCK 412, LOT 70. Approximate amount of judgment $634,446.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment for Index# 14041/2013.

RALPH J. MADALENA, ESQ., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 BN 7433

4X 11/08,15,22,29

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWMBS, INC., CHL MORTGAGE PASS-

THROUGH TRUST 2006-11, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 200611, Plaintiff against DAVID PIGOTT A/K/A DAVID J. PIGOTT, et al Defendants Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered September 24, 2019, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at CCP (Calendar Control Part Courtroom), in the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on December 10, 2019 at 11:30 AM. Premises known as 134 Windhorst Avenue

a/k/a 134 North Windhorst Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. Sec 49 Block 007 Lot 534 & 536. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $457,457.05 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605930/2018.

Jennifer Ettenger, Esq., Referee IBNY132 Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 1400 Old Country Road, Suite C103, Westbury, NY 11590 Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s).

BN 7434

4X 11/08,15,22,29

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SIGHTHOUND SOUND LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on August 1st, 2019. Office located in Nassau

County. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 240 Brookville Road, Glen Head, NY 11545. Purpose: Audio/ Visual Arts.

BN 7435

6X 11/08,15,22,29,12/06,13

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court Nassau County THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR CWABS, INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1, Plaintiff, Against UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW TO THE ESTATE OF MARIE T MCGAHEN A/K/A MARIE T. MCGAHEN, and if they be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of who and whose names, except as stated, are unknown

to plaintiff; FRANK TRIPODO, DOUGLAS TRIPODO, SHEILA TRIPODO as a possible HEIR AT LAW TO THE ESTATE OF MARIE MCGAEN A/K/A MARIE T. MCGAHEN, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/8/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, in the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, on 12/10/2019 at 11:30 am, premises known as 14 Foxwood Rd, Old Bethpage, NY 11804

ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Old Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 47 Block 145 Lot 0018

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $989,045.15 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 12280/2009

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index # 12280/2009

George P. Esernio, Esq., Referee. Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504

Dated: 10/30/2019 PB BN 7438 4X 11/08,15,22,29

A night of service and scholars in Levittown

Douglas MacArthur High School students performed a sneak peek of Into the Woods.

At its November 13 meeting of the Board of Education, Levittown Public Schools honored and recognized not just students, but local organizations of service to the students in its community.

The evening began with a sneak preview of General Douglas MacArthur High School’s musical production of “Into the Woods.” Members of the cast performed three top songs from the show, which is open to all community members Nov. 22 and 23.

The night then focused on an academic presentation from both Division Avenue and MacArthur High Schools regarding their extracurricular activities and offerings. Advisers from several clubs and more than a dozen students spoke on the purpose of the club they are a part of, as well as the impact it has had on their life. Each of the school’s Commended Students and National Hispanic Scholars were also recognized.

Also part of the evening, the board of education and administration recognized local service organizations – the Levittown Kiwanis Club and Nassau County Crossing Guards – who serve the school community every single day.

“Thank you for the countless hours you have dedicated to others,” Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Todd Winch said in announcing the Kiwanis Club members.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tonie McDonald echoed the sentiment with regard to the crossing guards.

“Thank you for all you do. We know you are there to keep us safe every day.”

Each of the honorees received a special certificate, and Levittown Kiwanis Club even presented Dr. McDonald with a plaque for her dedication and service to the organization.

Photos courtesy of the Levittown Public Schools

The Levittown Board of Education honored the Nassau County Crossing Guards for keeping students safe each day.

and

Division Avenue High School

General Douglas MacArthur High School's Commended Students and National Hispanic Scholars were congratulated and honored.

Students from Division Avenue High School and General Douglas MacArthur High School presented on extracurricular activities and offerings.

General

Senior citizens enjoy dinner, conversation and arts at Hicksville HS

The Hicksville community’s senior citizens were once again honored with an afternoon filled with food, fun and plenty of entertainment provided by the district’s fine arts department. Hicksville High School hosted the district’s 28th annual Fall Senior Citizen Luncheon on Nov. 8.

Members of the school’s National Honor Society volunteered to serve the hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour and a three-course meal of salad, an entrée of choice and dessert. The guests of honor were treated to special performances by Hicksville High School’s award-winning marching band, led by first-year director Kerri Barnett. Performances were also given by the high school string ensemble under the direction of Jennifer Weiss, vocal soloists Sierra Hall, Rachel Samuel and Jade Vila as well as members of the theater department, who gave a preview of their production of “Almost Maine.”

a three-course

Director of Fine Arts Phil Grusenmeyer served as emcee for the event.

Superintendent of Schools Marianne Litzman welcomed the seniors and thanked them for their ongoing support and interest in the district and its students. Litzman, Grusenmeyer, Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams and other administrators mingled with their honored guests between courses.

Hicksville High School’s gymnasium was decorated beautifully as a grand ballroom for the luncheon and also featured artwork and table centerpieces created by students.

The Fall Senior Citizen Luncheon continues to be a fun, intergenerational tradition that brings students and their elders together for an afternoon of feasting, fine arts and conversation. The school also hosts a Senior Citizen Prom in the spring.

Photos submitted by the Hicksville School District

Hicksville High School’s award-winning marching band provided some of the entertainment.

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We invite you to send details of any of these things and more, along with your name and contact info, to editor@gcnews.com for a chance to be seen in our paper!

Members of HHS’s National Honor Society are happy to take meal orders from their guests.

Senior citizens attending Hicksville School District’s 28th annual Fall Senior Citizen Luncheon enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and

meal.

Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Marianne Litzman mingles with the honored guests.

Members of HHS’s National Honor Society volunteered as servers.

Sierra Hall performs her rendition of The Beatles’ “Yesterday.”

Hicksville students salute their Board of Education

Fifth-grader Olivia McFarland of East Street honors BOE President Phil Heckler with Principal Jean-Marie Serra.

This year, the New York State School Boards Association designated Oct. 21–25 as School Board Recognition Week to thank school board members for their commitment to New York public school children. As part of an annual Hicksville Public School District tradition, student representatives from each school expressed their gratitude for the members of the Hicksville Board of Education and all of their hard

Fifth-grader Krishang Gupta of Woodland honors BOE trustee Sunita Manjrekar with Principal Beth Swanson.

work and dedication during a ceremony held in conjunction with the October board meeting.

With their principals in attendance, students from each elementary school personally presented each board member with a small gift, and students from the middle and high schools expressed their appreciation in speeches.

Fifth-grader Olivia McFarland of East

Second-grader Jace Sietas of Fork Lane honors BOE Vice President Brenda Judson with Principal Chris Scardino.

Street, second-grader Jace Sietas of Fork Lane, second-grader Jack Koickel of Lee Avenue, fifth-grader Ariana Karalazarides of Burns Avenue, fifth-grader Oscar Molina Jaimie of Old Country Road, fifth-grader Krishang Gupta of Woodland, fifth-grader Jamie Thorsten of Dutch Lane, eighth-graders Jack Beaudette and Patrick LaBarca of Hicksville Middle School and seniors Jack Immanuel and Steven Goubran of

eighth-graders Patrick

and Jack Beaudette (second and third from left, respectively) honor BOE President Phil Heckler, representing the entire Hicksville BOE, with Principal Mara Jorisch. Patrick and Jack gave speeches in honor of the work of the BOE.

Kevin Carroll (missing from photo) with BOE President Phil Heckler accepting for Carroll with Principal Dr. John Comer.

Hicksville High School thanked the Board of Ewducation on behalf of their schools.

Every year, the association designates one week in October to highlight the volunteerism of school board members and raise community awareness and understanding about the crucial role board members have within a school district, which they carry out without compensation.

of

Fifth-grader Jamie Thorsten of Dutch Lane honors BOE trustee Linda Imbriale with Principal Janine Rossie.

HMS

LaBarca

Second-grader Jack Koickel of Lee Avenue honors BOE Secretary Carla Hoene (right) with Principal Stephanie Stam.

Fifth-grader Oscar Molina Jaime of Old Country Road honors BOE trustee Chris Amato with Principal Laura McConnell.

HHS seniors Jack Immanuel (left) and Steven Goubran honor BOE Vice President Brenda Judson, representing the entire Hicksville BOE. Jack and Steve gave speeches in honor of the work of the BOE.

Fifth-grader Ariana Karalazarides of Burns Avenue honors BOE trustee

Photos courtesy

the Hicksville Public Schools

School district unveils new lending libraries

Students cheered as Gardiners Avenue Principal Dr. Jared Vanderbeck (left) unveiled the school’s new lending library.

Lee Road Elementary School had a schoolwide celebration to unveil their lending library. Pictured from left: Art teacher Saeeda Thompson, Principal Jami Anspach, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Debbie Rifkin, Lee Road students, Board Vice President and Lee Road graduate Dillon Cain and Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dr. Christopher Dillon.

Get rid of your unwanted items by placing an ad for them in our Classifieds! We have reasonable rates, and you’ll have prompt results! Call our Garden City office at 294-8900 for rates and other info.

Elementary school students in the Levittown Public Schools will have access to free and enjoyable books year-round with the district’s new lending libraries. These beautifully decorated wooden boxes outside the school buildings will hold books that students can access at all times and allow them to add their own books for others to enjoy.

Abbey Lane, Gardiners Avenue, East Broadway, Lee Road, Northside and Summit Lane elementary schools recently held ribbon cutting ceremonies where central administrators, board members, students and staff gathered to celebrate their school’s new addition. Director of Elementary Education Michelle Kelly and the district’s literacy collaborative group wanted to add a lending library to each elementary building this year to help encourage students to read outside of school. According to Kelly, the act of reading connects students to other readers in a meaningful way.

“Students will be able to borrow books and return them to the lending libraries that are located outside of each of our elementary buildings,” she said. “It is our hope that students will fall in love with an author or genre of book, or even connect to a character – which will instill a love for reading. We hope these books provide time for families to create memories of reading together while developing their children’s imaginations and knowledge.”

Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

East Broadway Principal Jeanmarie Wink and students helped cut the blue ribbon to unveil the school’s new lending library.